Thanksgiving 2011

Well we had another fabulous Thanksgiving here at the house.  It was very special this year because it was Matthew's first Thanksgiving, and he had such a great time meeting new family.  I must admit that I was surprised in a way that he did so well.  Lately, he has been a bit stranger shy.  He looked so adorable in his new outfit, too.  So glad to share these special days with you Matthew.

The meal was so wonderful!  I brined the turkey this year and even roasted it on a rack!  My cooking skills are improving.  (Today I made gravy from the pan drippings.)  I unfortunately had the heat too high for the green bean casserole and the soup spilled over which then set off the fire alarm!  Took a bit to cancel that!  We had 19 people here for dinner.  Here was the guest list:  Robert, Kim, Annalese, Robert, Matthew, Grandma and Pap Pap Lese, Kacki Lese, Fred and Ann, Aunt Margaret and Uncle Sam, David and Sharon, Nunu, Uncle Pino, Joey, Cristina, and Michael Kraft.  It was a fun filled dinner. 

Didn't do our Turkey Bowl--maybe next year.  I would like to start that tradition.  Maybe I need to have it in the morning.

Robert and I went to Pino's for a quick visit later in the eveing.  Matthew went to bed and Annalese and Robert played with Aunt Kacki and Grandma and Pap Pap.  Everyone was tired and ready for bed by the time all our our guests left.  It was a great day.  So thankful that I am able to care for my family, that I have a house that is warm, and that we are all pretty healthy!  How lucky we are!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Nine Month Birthday, Matthew!

My little baby is nine months today!  What a joy.  He is still very much Happy Baby as he smiles at everyone.  Matthew and I have a game that we play now.  I give him a great big kiss and jump in the air.  As soon as I am done kissing him, I say "kisses!"  Then I will ask him who wants another kiss.  Matthew then leans into and puts his check really close to me so that I can give him another kiss!  It is the most adorable thing!  Matthew is very good at crawling and is everywhere now.  He likes to get into the paper near the computer and eat it.  This child has eaten more paper!  He like to fling his toys around, and his favorite ones are the ones that make noise.  He enjoys eating all kinds of fruit and vegetables, and soon we will start him on Cheerios and some meats.  Finally, Matthew is sleeping through the night.  The Bartolacci household is so thankful for that!  Matthew had a great first Halloween and is getting ready for his first Thanksgiving.  He will be able to eat his meal with everyon else!  Matthew Man is doing so well and we all love having him here.  We are so thankful to have such a health and wonderful family!  Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Happy 5th Birthday, Robert!

Five years ago, a wonderful little man came into our lives.  And boy have the last five years been a time full of excitment! 

Robert's Tae Kwon Do Party was a Success!

Robert had his 5th birthday party at Tae Kwon Do with sixteen of his school friends.  Master Norris had Robert help lead the class through punches and kicks and other exercises.  Everyone then decorated a breaking board and then tried to jump to safety through the Shark Attack obstacle course.  Kids did a nice job singing Happy Birthday and eating cupcakes that were decorated with a green belt, and then it was time for board breaking!  Every last child was successful breaking his or her board!  The last highlight of the party was when Mr. Master Norris jumped over another black belt and broke a board that Mrs. Master Norris was holding.  Parents were then ready to collect their children.  Robert again helped to call each classmate to the door and give them his or her board along with a white party bag decorated with a colored belt that contained a Tae Kwon Do water bottle along with other goodies.  Robert had a great time at his party!

No More Toothless Smile!

Guess what Mommy found in Matthew's mouth when he was biting on her finger?  Yes, a tooth has popped through the gums in the front on the lower right.  I am so excited for him, yet I just love the toothless smile.  Now I know why he has been getting up two times during the middle of the night.  Way to go Matthew Man.  Growing up so quickly.

Happy Halloween!

This is Robert's holiday!